Sunday, May 30, 2010 – Athlete Profile: John Griswold

Athlete Profile:  John Griswold

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Kingsport, TN and have lived all over since: VA, NYC, Nashville, and DC. After working for a financial consulting company in DC for a couple years, I decided I’d had enough of the corporate scene and moved to Charleston to start my own company. Three years later, I realize it was the best decision I ever made.

2.  Age, Occupation?

33, Renewable Energy

3.  How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

I started running quite a bit in college simply as a means to relieve stress and clear my mind. I went from running 20 mins/ 3 days a week to 45 mins/ 5 days a week to eventually running the Chicago Marathon. Initially, I really enjoyed running – however, as time went on, it became very apparent I was getting bored and needed to change things up. At the advice of Brooks DuBose and Colin Regan, I decided to give CrossFit a shot and began joining them for some workouts at a facility in Mt. Pleasant. The workouts absolutely crushed me – but, at same time, I knew right away CrossFit would provide me the opportunity to change my level of fitness while also keeping things interesting. I eventually followed Brooks and Colin to CrossFit Integrity in March of 09 – and, for the most part, have been coming ever since.

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

Regardless of what level CrossFitter you are, the intensity of the workouts really force the individual to forge past physical and mental limits that originally seem unattainable. For me, this is especially true. There have been a number of occasions where I have wanted to quit during a WOD (Murph, Filty 50, etc.,), but as time went on, I realized it’s simply a mental game. Knowing this has certainly been a valuable tool in-and-outside of CrossFit. Increased flexibility is another benefit I credit to CrossFit. As a result, any/all lower back pain that has been a burden most of my life is nonexistent – so much so, I can now sleep for more than an hour at a time without experiencing any discomfort.

5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

My goal has, and continues to be: Rx all workouts. Muscle ups are still standing in the way.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

It was pretty cool to see so many fellow CrossFitters absolutely annihilate their original mile times during the post-paleo challenge WOD week. Lots of smiling faces that day.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

The community. It goes without saying that Brian has done an outstanding job of cultivating a culture at CrossFit Integrity that simply makes people feel welcome. It’s also nice to have a place to go at the end of the day where you can completely remove yourself from the “real world”. I’ve found that most WODs do a good job (almost too good) of accomplishing this.

8.  Favorite WOD?

Filthy 50. Everyone leaves feeling high and mighty after this one.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

300. The floor wipers get my every time.

10. Favorite movement?

Push Press

11. Least favorite movement?

Thrusters and Front squats are neck-in-neck here. I just can’t get comfortable (relatively speaking) while doing either.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Wild Olive and Fat Hen are solid spots, but pound for pound, Voodoo lounge in West Ash is tough to beat. Best bar grub in town.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC